We’re the future of Atlanta. Let’s make it awesome.
Atlanta is alight. Young people, educated, affluent, creative young people, have seized once-neglected intown neighborhoods and are bringing them back into bloom. Ten or twenty years ago, you might never have expected developments like our own Pencil Factory to pop up on Decatur Street, replete with markets selling niche beer, edgy salons, and delectable, luxe Creole restaurants. But here we are.
The AJC reports that "since 2000, neighborhoods within three miles of downtown Atlanta have seen a 61 percent surge in residents aged 25 to 34 who have at least a four-year degree, according to U.S. Census figures. That's almost 10,000 new patrons for everything from apartment and condo developments to restaurants and bars to computer and cell phone vendors."
These people are us. It's happening around the country of course; the generation that grew up in suburbs and exurbs, longing to leave the "McMansion" behind and live somewhere with a little more excitement, has decided to grant our own wishes and move into high-end urban developments that meld the best of luxury living and downtown culture all over the US. But it's going twice as strong here in Atlanta.
Why? Perhaps it's because Atlanta has a particularly fraught relationship with its suburbs, so clearly demarcated by the dividing line of 285. Perhaps it's the fact that intown neighborhoods like Grant Park marry beautiful natural settings with proximity to the hip urban core. Who knows?Who cares?
Because the city is on fire. We've always been "the city too busy to hate," but we're becoming the city too vibrant to age. There is so much to do, so many different kinds of people to meet, whether it's over beers or at a farmer's market or playing soccer in a park. There are amazing restaurants and intimate music venues, incredible artists and unusual events that meld Southern culture, urban culture, and youth culture into a gorgeous whole.
We are the force that is changing this city. Atlanta has been going strong economically for some time, but we young people are helping to transform the city into a world-class metropolis. We are rebuilding this town, not from ashes but from decay and from forgetfulness.
Like it says on the city seal: RESURGENS. Rising again. So come on, little phoenixes. We're the future of Atlanta. Let's make it awesome.
